Season review: England

Manchester City FC took the title in their first season under Manuel Pellegrini, though the real story may have been how Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool FC buckled at the last – and how Manchester United FC struggled in their first campaign following Sir Alex Ferguson's departure.

Cup final: Arsenal FC 3-2 (aet) Hull City AFCThe Gunners were hugely relieved to claim their first trophy since 2005 – not least since they were 2-0 down inside eight minutes in the final, Santi Cazorla's stylish free-kick and a Laurent Koscielny effort forcing extra time, where Aaron Ramsey hit the 109th-minute winner. "Losing today would have been a major setback," conceded manager Arsène Wenger. "We'd done the double twice [in 1997/98 and 2001/02 ] before and on those occasions we weren't under the pressure we were today." The prospect of a first UEFA competition was some consolation for Steve Bruce's Hull.

League Cup final: Manchester City FC 3-1 Sunderland AFCSunderland's dream of a first trophy since 1973 – and a return to European football – was raised after Fabio Borini gave them a tenth-minute lead, but after the break Touré's long-range drive and further strikes from Nasri and Jesús Navas secured Pellegrini's first silverware as City boss. "I told them they had 45 minutes to change the score," said the Chilean. City's success also ensured that the side finishing sixth in the Premier League – Tottenham Hotspur FC – would get a UEFA Europa League berth.

One to watch: Adam Lallana (Southampton FC)Everton's Ross Barkley and Luke Shaw of Southampton both impressed, but in terms of unheralded talent none could match Saints' late-blooming attacking midfielder Lallana – who turned 26 in May. Stylish, creative and dogged, his nine goals helped the south-coast club finish a very respectable eighth, and earned him a call-up to the England squad. "I'm ambitious," he said. "I want to one day play in the Champions League." Given the rumours circulating this summer, he may not have long to wait.

Surprise package: Crystal Palace FCSunderland's escape from relegation was dramatic, but the way promoted Palace surged up from the drop zone to come 11th was something else. With the Eagles seemingly holed below the waterline when they took just four points from their first 11 games, the arrival of Welshman Tony Pulis – recently dismissed by Stoke City FC – transformed them into a well-drilled yet deceptively stylish counterattacking side. "It was not easy turning people who have been told they're not good enough to compete," explained Pulis, who was voted Manager of the Year by his peers.

Quote: "The title race is between two horses and a little horse that needs milk and needs to learn how to jump. Maybe next season we can race."Chelsea manager José Mourinho always maintained that his team were not quite ready for a title push in his first season back at the club.

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